perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action or process of perspiring

2

: a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands : sweat

Examples of perspiration in a Sentence

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead.

Recent Examples on the Web

For much of the second half, Argentina played with plenty of perspiration, but little by way of inspiration. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Another way that the U-Penn system offers a massive improvement over previous rigid and hydrogel electrodes – which poorly adhere to hairy skin, or skin wet from perspiration – is in their actual dermal application. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026

Plus, what’s better to wear during a sweaty summer than clothing designed to handle plenty of perspiration? — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026

When perspiration cannot evaporate in humid air, moisture clings to the skin and body temperature climbs rapidly, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perspiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perspiring

2

: a salty fluid given off by the sweat glands : sweat

Medical Definition

perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perspiring

2

: a saline fluid that is secreted by the sweat glands, that consists chiefly of water containing sodium chloride and other salts, nitrogenous substances (as urea), carbon dioxide, and other solutes, and that serves both as a means of excretion and as a regulator of body temperature through the cooling effect of its evaporation